Damaged by the Storm: Steps to Take Immediately After Storm Damage
Hurricane season is officially upon us.
If you live near the southeast coast, you know what that means. Nervously watching cones of uncertainty, waiting in long lines at the gas station, and inexplicable hoarding of bottled water. Also, of course, Weather Channel reporters ostentatiously pretending that light breezes are gale force.
It also means potentially dealing with damage, particularly home damage from the storm if it makes landfall near you. Unfortunately, no one can predict when or where a hurricane might strike. However, if you live in an area that’s prone to storm damage, it’s a good idea to be prepared.
With that in mind, learn more about what steps to take immediately after storm damage. Hopefully, you won’t need to use them but it’s still smart to stay prepared.
Make Sure You and Your Family Are Safe
Obviously, your first priority during a hurricane is to keep safe and remain sheltered.
Do not try to assess home damage from the storm until the storm has passed. If you happen to be in the storm’s direct path, you might experience the passage of the eye of the storm. The winds will calm, the sun might shine again, and the worst will seem to be over.
It can be tempting to go outside and assess the destruction during this brief letup, but don’t. Damaging winds will return when the destructive eyewall passes over again.
Instead, wait until the hurricane has fully passed before you head out to document the damage from the storm.
Check for Damage
If your home is damaged by the storm, you need to document it.
Take pictures of any damage sustained by your home. This will assist the claims adjuster for the insurance company to assess your home’s condition.
The roof is often the most vulnerable part of a home to wind damage. Doors and windows are also very susceptible, so be sure to thoroughly photograph these parts of your home.
Contact the Insurance Company
Reaching out to your insurance company is the next step to take, and, although it can be a hassle, it’s a necessary one.
Call your insurance provider and they will guide you through the claims process. A claims adjuster will be sent out to assess the storm damage and determine the necessary payment amount.
Take Steps to Prevent Further Damage
If you’re able to, secure your home against further damage. In the aftermath of a storm, rain may continue to seep through a punctured roof or broken doors and windows.
Take steps to board up windows, or cover roof damage with tarps, in order to prevent further headaches, but only do so if it can be done safely. Otherwise, contact the pros for emergency service.
Find a Restoration Company
Your insurance provider should set you up with qualified restoration experts to get your home back to shipshape condition.
It’s crucial to find a professional service that will handle your home’s storm damage restoration. It’s not merely a matter of restoring your property, but also safeguarding you and your family’s health.
Hire a Destin Restoration Company You Can Trust
Florida in the summertime isn’t always about fun and sunshine. It also means the risk of hurricanes.
Hopefully you won’t ever have to reference these steps to take immediately after storm damage. However, if you do, we’re here to help. When you need us, contact Barakat Restoration to get your home looking like new again.